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"Oh, don't ask me, I'm a terrible designer." That's something I've heard from Rails developers ever since I started working with them. But it's never true. It's just that most Rails devs don't have the scaffolding (no, not that scaffolding) around which to structure their designs. In this talk we'll cover the things every developer should know about design: contrast, repetition, proximity, hierarchy, flow, typography, and color. Jenn Scheer is a designer & developer who began designing for web but was frustrated with the inability to build it herself. She's taught design at General Assembly, to students who were clearly arming themselves for the web. She is currently at Rap Genius, helping users annotate the world. Help us caption & translate this video! http://amara.org/v/FG1H/
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In the video "Elements of Design: A Developer's Primer" presented by Jenn Scheer at RailsConf 2014, the speaker emphasizes that developers, particularly Rails developers, possess the capability to design effectively, dispelling the myth that they cannot. Scheer aims to equip developers with fundamental design principles that can greatly enhance their projects. Key points discussed throughout the talk include: - **Hierarchy**: Establishing an order of importance within layouts. Clear hierarchy guides users about what is most important on a page, using sizes and colors to draw attention. - **Contrast**: Utilizing differences in color, shape, and typography to create visual interest and engagement. Effective contrast highlights key elements and actions on a page. - **Repetition**: Creating consistency in design through repeated elements (colors, layouts, typography) that helps reinforce the message and style of the site. - **Proximity**: Grouping related elements together, using space to establish relationships, which aids in user comprehension and navigation. - **Flow**: Designing a smooth path for users to follow, whether on a single page or through multiple pages, ensuring a seamless experience that encourages action. - **Typography**: The importance of selecting appropriate fonts and sizes that enhance readability, with a recommendation of using limited typefaces to reflect brand personality. - **Color**: While color has a significant impact, it should not be relied on exclusively. Understanding the cultural meanings and accessibility concerns of colors is essential for effective design. Throughout the presentation, Scheer illustrates her points with examples of websites, contrasting effective and ineffective design practices. For instance, while BuzzFeed lacks hierarchy with its overwhelming content, The New York Times demonstrates a clear prioritization of information. Similarly, she compares sites like GitHub and Evernote in terms of contrast to emphasize the need for creating distinct visual elements. In conclusion, the main takeaways from Scheer's talk include: - Developers should engage in design conversations and utilize these principles to improve their work. - Design considerations are integral to making user experiences pleasant and intuitive. - By applying the seven principles of design, developers can create sites that are more functional and aesthetically pleasing, ultimately fostering user trust and satisfaction.
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